Researchers identify 275 mn new genetic variants: Study

Researchers at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) have identified over 275 million previously unreported genetic variants from data shared by nearly 250,000 participants of the ‘All of Us Research Program.’ Half of the data comes from non-European genetic ancestries, presenting new pathways for genetic health research and disease understanding.

The unreported cache of variants provides researchers with new possibilities to comprehend the genetic influences on health and disease, especially in communities who have been excluded from research in the past, said the NIH on Tuesday. Almost four million of the newly identified variants are in areas that may be associated with disease risk.

Chief executive officer of the ‘All of Us Research Program’ Josh Denny stated, “The All of Us dataset has already led researchers to findings that expand what we know about health — many that may not have been possible without our participants’ contributions of DNA and other health information. Their participation is setting a course for a future where scientific discovery is more inclusive, with broader benefits for all.”

The ‘All of Us Research Program’ aims to accelerate health research and medical breakthroughs, enabling individualized prevention, treatment, and care for all. The program will partner with one million or more people across the US to build the most diverse biomedical data resource, helping researchers gain better insights into the biological, environmental and behavioral factors that influence health.

The mission of the program is to create a future where scientific discovery is more inclusive and where health disparities are minimized by promoting diversity in genetic research. The new genetic variants identified through the ‘All of Us Research Program’ may pave the way for improved understanding and treatment of various health conditions, benefiting individuals from diverse genetic backgrounds.

The discovery of these genetic variants underscores the importance of diversity in genetic research and the valuable insights it can offer into the understanding and treatment of various health conditions. The ‘All of Us Research Program’ represents an important step towards a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to genetic research, with the potential to improve health outcomes for individuals of diverse genetic backgrounds.